[The effect of the size of tonsil on uvulopalatopharyngoplasty].

Objective: To investigate how the size of tonsil affects the curative effect of patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) treated with Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).

Method: Fifty-four cases with OSAHS treated with UPPP in our department were analyzed retrospectively. The polysomnography (PSG) was examined again one years or longer after operation.

Result: There was no statistical difference between different tonsil size groups in age, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), body mass index (BMI) and the lowest Pulse Oxygen Saturation (lowest SpO2) before operation. But there was a statistical difference in curative effect after operation between groups. The lowest SpO2 raised obviously in groups with bigger tonsils. In serious OSAHS group, there was a statistical difference in the composing of tonsil size grade in different curative effect groups.

Conclusion: Patients with bigger size of tonsil will receive a better result after UPPP while the lowest SpO2 will be improved more prominent. To serious OSAHS, we should treat them individually.